China and Germany vow to deepen cooperation in several areas

Jul. 15, 2017

China and Germany have vowed to deepen their relationship in an increasingly
uncertain global environment, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday after
talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

"Considering the rising trend of protectionism, China and Germany should
continue to consolidate mutual trust and strengthen bilateral cooperation to
send positive signals of stability, cooperation and development to the world,"
said Premier Li.

Germany is Li's first stop on an official visit to Europe that comes amid
growing concern in Germany over some of US President Donald Trump's policies,
especially on climate change and protectionism.

China-Germany relations 'stable and mature'

Referring to Germany as China's most important partner in the EU, Li said
that both countries have developed "stable and mature" relations.

"Last year, China exceeded to become Germany's biggest trading partner. We
also have a number of people-to-people exchanges and have had regular diplomatic
talks," he said.

Merkel said that Germany should expand the partnership with China in
different areas at a time of global insecurity. She also mentioned that the EU
will fulfill its obligations under Article 15 of the Protocol on China's
Accession to the World Trade Organization

At a joint news conference, Li and Merkel said they wanted greater
cooperation in manufacturing, energy, finance, aviation, culture and
tourism.

Both countries have agreed to speed up negotiations on a China-EU investment
agreement to further enhance cooperation.

China 'actively' promotes the Paris Agreement

China will "steadfastly" implement the Paris climate pact, Li said, urging
others to do likewise as US President Donald Trump is due to announce on
Thursday whether he will keep Washington in the deal.

"China will continue to implement promises made in the Paris Agreement, to
move towards the 2030 goal step by step," Li said, adding it was standing by its
international responsibilities and also setting national targets.

"Fighting climate change was a global consensus," he said, Of course, we also
hope to do this in cooperation with others."

A White House official on Wednesday said the US was expected to withdraw from
the Paris Agreement, which is aimed at curbing global warming. But officials
cautioned that details were still being finalized.

'Dialogue' and 'negotiation': key to DPRK nuclear issue

Speaking of the DPRK nuclear issue, Li said that China is a strong supporter
for the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

"China has a very firm stance concerning the DPRK nuclear issue. We stick to
our principles while looking for ways to address the issue through dialogue and
diplomatic negotiations," he said.

"We are both ready to contribute to stability in the world," Li added,
echoing comments by Merkel who said that China has become a more important and
strategic partne.